Category: Clean Energy

By Constance ThompsonAugust 30, 2021

A drive to bring innovative technologies and advanced structure methods to the sustainable energy market. I desire to lower the quantity of green area utilized to support the development of sustainable energy around the world and help bring our market into the future. Sole Trader offers our customers access to clean energy, and we are inspiring the next generation with our ability to shape the nation each and every day.
Sole Trader is a varied, expert, leading-edge sustainable energy company with 200+ combined years of experience covering power generation, building and construction, operations and upkeep. And we believe energy self-reliance is the key to green growth.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the 2nd installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment will feature market leaders and subjects related to speeding up a fair and just shift to a renewable resource economy.
In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August features highlight how 3 Black-owned Accelerate member business are flourishing in the sustainable energy sector.
Kevin Butler, PMP, PE, is the Chief Executive Officer of Sole Trader Renewable Energy LLC, a minority- and veteran-owned eco-friendly energy company based in Memphis, Tennessee. Sole Trader assists co-ops, energies and federal governments integrate renewables into their energy portfolios
.
What inspired you to start your company?
A drive to bring innovative technologies and advanced structure strategies to the sustainable energy market. I want to decrease the amount of green space used to support the development of eco-friendly energy around the world and help bring our market into the future. I established this business after working for a couple of big energies and understanding that the old design will not get us to where we require to be as a country.
How are you making an effect through your company?
We are changing the way federal governments, co-ops and energies consider powering the future of this great nation. We invest in finding and making use of proven, emerging technologies from around the world that can be used to power the present and the future. Sole Trader provides our customers access to clean energy, and we are inspiring the next generation with our ability to form the country each and every day.
Inform us about your company?
Sole Trader is a varied, professional, leading-edge renewable resource business with 200+ combined years of experience covering power generation, construction, operations and maintenance. Our group of energy experts assists us reduce building and construction expenses and timelines for our customers. We can also provide consulting and strategic planning services, site recognition and preparation, building, operations and maintenance, equipment recycling, cybersecurity, site startup or shutdown, and so a lot more.
Is there anything else you would like to show ACORE members and partners?
We embrace chances to bring our clients into the future, utilizing our extensive lessons learned and our proven brand-new innovations. And we believe energy self-reliance is the crucial to green development.
To find out more about Sole Trader, visit soletraderenergy.org.
###.

I believe there is constantly a shock when people learn who is behind our business. Even in our own communities, individuals simply cant think it. Putting individuals in rooms together so everybody can share notes is always important. We are likewise constantly prepared to host people if they want to see some of the sustainable technology we are putting in these neighborhoods. We host individuals once a week at our structure so they can see the technology that were applying in neighborhoods that historically have not had gain access to.

Share with us a current success story.
We recently joined Mayor Lightfoot for an interview to announce that we will be constructing a $30 million, completely sustainable and totally affordable advancement, in partnership with the City of Chicago. We are developing 50 property units, a coffee bar, a service center, all on the South Side of Chicago, which will expand solar-powered usage in the city
.
What effect are you making?
I think there is constantly a shock when individuals discover who is behind our company. Even in our own communities, people just cant think it.
The other thing that I think is essential is we have an economic impact that resonates with individuals, and its a quite effective message. That amount of cash effects the budget plan of daily households
.
What challenges do you deal with? Why?
When I go to banks and state that were developing sustainable real estate in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, they look at me like Ive spoken the incorrect language. These neighborhoods are still being red-lined. I think the lesson is that union building is crucial.

What can companies like ACORE do to move that needle for you, to break down that barrier?
Putting people in rooms together so everyone can share notes is always important. Normalizing exposure, standing next to us and saying “these neighborhoods are deserving of investment”– you cant put a worth on that
.
How can prospective partners do business with you?
We are also always prepared to host people if they want to see some of the sustainable technology we are putting in these neighborhoods. We host individuals once a week at our building so they can see the technology that were applying in neighborhoods that historically havent had gain access to. Im constantly tough leading executives to put their name and face on these efforts because I believe that has real value
.
How was your Accelerate membership benefited you?
Its been great simply to fulfill the other Accelerate member business. I found out a lot from having conversations with them in real-time, and discovering people with completely various point of views. I love the networking.
I think we are doing the very best we can do in the COVID environment. Just understanding that it exists, which ACORE is so intentional about the program, makes a huge distinction.
###.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 31, 2021
Photo courtesy of Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the third installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation features industry leaders and topics related to accelerating a fair and simply shift to a renewable energy economy. In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August functions highlight how three Black-owned Accelerate member companies are thriving in the renewable resource sector.
Robert “A.J.” Patton is a financing, sales, and capital markets expert with more than a years of experience in financial investment banking, endowment management, and realty analysis. In May 2016, A.J. established 548 Capital, LLC, to combine his proficiency and performance history of producing consistent returns with an individual enthusiasm for helping transform neighborhoods and their effect on the world. In 2019, Patton was named a recipient of the Energy News 40 Under 40 award– highlighting his influence on Americas transition to a tidy economy.
LEARNT MORE: Up-and-Comer Developer Makes Headway without the Banks ( Chicago Sun-Times, August 27, 2021).
What inspired you to begin your company?
I had 2 turning points that made me leap. In 1999, my mother got a $400 gas bill, and she was only making 10 dollars an hour, so we couldnt afford the gas costs. Therefore, unfortunately, we had our gas and heat shut down. For roughly a year in my teenagers, we needed to boil water and carry it up to a porcelain tub to take a bath. Those were uniquely tough times, and experiences like that just stick to you. I dont care what takes place the rest of your career or what your quality of life is moving forward; those moments are with you permanently. As I speak about that with various groups around the nation, it has ended up being clear that my experience is not an abnormality. A lot of people have similar anecdotes, and thats not an advantage
.
They looked confused that I would even attempt ask about the everyday people. I believe I turned in my resignation within 6 months of that conversation, and I began my company. I called it 548 Capital because that is the system number in the public housing where I grew up.

Tell us about your company? (mission, partners, regions you operate in, main consumers, etc.).
The vision of 548 Capital is to make sustainable technologies available for all: all neighborhoods, all households, everybody needs to have access. Someone, some entity, has to serve as the bridge so that those technologies reach everyone.

I was at a neighborhood conference with 50 Black ladies organizers who were not invested in the neighborhood solar motion. To be able to offer a product that will conserve our neighborhood up to 60% on their energy costs is transformative.
WeSolars mission is to bring under-resourced communities budget-friendly access to local neighborhood solar and to help commercial properties with energy effectiveness. When I initially moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was released, and I wanted to make sure city residents were receiving the same quantity of investment as the county. Sustainable energy has traditionally been a middle-class concern since Black communities have actually had to live in survival mode, however Reverend Mason and Reverend Dewitt brought me into the circle and connected me with the people I required to link with in order to make this collaboration successful.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 27, 2021
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the first installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series. Each installment will include industry leaders and subjects connected to accelerating an equitable and just transition to a renewable energy economy. In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August blog is the very first in a series highlighting how Black-owned member business are flourishing in the renewable energy sector.
Kristal Hansley is the Founder & & CEO of WeSolar, Inc and is the nations very first Black woman CEO in the neighborhood solar industry. Under her leadership, WeSolar is growing quickly, supplying customers throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia access to economical solar energy, despite home type, and helping hard-working households minimize regular monthly expenditures.
What inspired you to start your company?
The stark fact that the bulk of homes who were getting renewable resource rewards were greater income. I remember discovering this and believing there needed to be a method to resolve this space. I noticed there was a problem. I had my own concepts on how to fix it, and I wanted to have firm over my own choices. I was at a neighborhood meeting with 50 Black ladies organizers who were not bought the community solar motion. It felt like a lightbulb had actually turned on for me when I started to describe how vital and urgent it was for us to be a part of the solar motion. I started demonstrating how higher-income communities and people in the suburbs were benefiting from renewable tax incentives and had actually gotten a heap of support. The reality is, energy usage effects Black family budget plans greatly. 36% of Black households experience a high energy concern, implying they spend over 6% of their earnings on house energy bills. Thats a massive portion. To be able to offer an item that will conserve our neighborhood up to 60% on their energy expenses is transformative.
Tell us about your company?
WeSolars objective is to bring under-resourced communities affordable access to local neighborhood solar and to assist industrial residential or commercial properties with energy performance. In Maryland, legislators passed legislation that specifies 50 percent of its electricity should come from renewable energy sources by 2030.
What difficulties do you deal with? Why?
To a community that is currently facing so numerous pushing obstacles, convincing them that there is another one simply as crucial is very difficult. I remember trying to explain neighborhood solar to my friends and the conversation rapidly pivoting to real estate. The reality of the matter is, institutional racism and oppression are larger than we know, and it drowns our neighborhood. Where Black individuals are not being purchased, we are being asked to prioritize constantly for our survival.
Please show us a recent business success story.
A very personal success story for me is cultivating a collaboration with Maryland United Baptist Missionary Convention, Inc. I matured in a Baptist church in Brooklyn where my cousin was the pastor, and my mommy was an organizer– neighborhood was stitched into my really being. When I initially transferred to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was launched, and I wished to guarantee city residents were receiving the exact same amount of investment as the county. It was the church that took me in, and the church that then supported my vision– bringing whatever cycle. Renewable resource has historically been a middle-class problem since Black communities have needed to reside in survival mode, however Reverend Mason and Reverend Dewitt brought me into the circle and connected me with individuals I needed to connect with in order to make this partnership successful.
To get more information about WeSolar, visit wesolar.energy
###

By Constance ThompsonAugust 30, 2021

A drive to bring ingenious technologies and advanced building methods to the sustainable energy industry. I want to reduce the quantity of green area utilized to support the development of sustainable energy around the world and aid bring our market into the future. Sole Trader offers our customers access to tidy energy, and we are motivating the next generation with our ability to shape the country each and every day.
Sole Trader is a diverse, expert, leading-edge renewable energy business with 200+ integrated years of experience covering power generation, building, operations and upkeep. And we believe energy self-reliance is the essential to green growth.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the 2nd installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation will include industry leaders and topics associated with speeding up an equitable and just transition to a renewable resource economy.
In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August features highlight how three Black-owned Accelerate member companies are flourishing in the renewable resource sector.
Kevin Butler, PMP, PE, is the Chief Executive Officer of Sole Trader Renewable Energy LLC, a minority- and veteran-owned renewable resource company based in Memphis, Tennessee. Sole Trader assists energies, co-ops and governments incorporate renewables into their energy portfolios
.
What inspired you to start your company?
A drive to bring ingenious technologies and advanced building methods to the sustainable energy market. I desire to decrease the amount of green space utilized to support the development of sustainable energy around the world and aid bring our market into the future. I established this business after working for a couple of large energies and realizing that the old model will not get us to where we need to be as a nation.
How are you making an effect through your company?
We are changing the way energies, co-ops and federal governments believe about powering the future of this excellent country. We purchase finding and utilizing tested, emerging technologies from worldwide that can be used to power today and the future. Sole Trader provides our customers access to tidy energy, and we are inspiring the next generation with our ability to form the nation each and every day.
Inform us about your business?
Sole Trader is a diverse, expert, leading-edge eco-friendly energy business with 200+ combined years of experience covering power generation, building and construction, operations and upkeep. Our team of utility professionals helps us lower construction expenses and timelines for our clients. We can likewise provide consulting and strategic planning services, site identification and preparation, construction, operations and upkeep, devices recycling, cybersecurity, site start-up or shutdown, and so much more.
Is there anything else you would like to share with ACORE members and partners?
We welcome chances to bring our clients into the future, utilizing our substantial lessons learned and our proven brand-new innovations. And we believe energy self-reliance is the key to green growth.
To find out more about Sole Trader, go to soletraderenergy.org.
###.

What can organizations like ACORE do to move that needle for you, to break down that barrier?
Putting people in rooms together so everybody can share notes is always important. Normalizing direct exposure, standing next to us and saying “these communities are deserving of investment”– you cant put a value on that
.
How can potential partners work with you?
Right now, we are Chicago-focused. We are constantly looking for partners to invest, use debt or purchase some tax credits, thats the very first ask. We are likewise constantly happy to host people if they desire to see some of the sustainable innovation we are putting in these neighborhoods. This is not exclusive; its an open book. We host individuals when a week at our structure so they can see the technology that were using in communities that historically have not had gain access to. We are likewise going to be expanding our board. Because I think that has genuine value, Im constantly difficult top executives to put their name and face on these efforts
.
How was your Accelerate membership benefited you?
Its been excellent just to satisfy the other Accelerate member business. I found out a lot from having discussions with them in real-time, and learning more about people with completely different viewpoints. I love the networking.
I believe we are doing the very best we can do in the COVID environment. Just understanding that it exists, which ACORE is so deliberate about the program, makes a huge distinction.
###.

I believe there is always a shock when people discover who is behind our company. Even in our own neighborhoods, people simply cant think it. Putting individuals in rooms together so everybody can share notes is always valuable. We are likewise always ready to host individuals if they desire to see some of the sustainable technology we are putting in these neighborhoods. We host individuals as soon as a week at our structure so they can see the technology that were using in communities that historically havent had access.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 31, 2021
Picture thanks to Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the 3rd installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment features industry leaders and subjects related to accelerating a fair and just transition to a sustainable energy economy. In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August features highlight how three Black-owned Accelerate member business are thriving in the renewable resource sector.
Robert “A.J.” Patton is a finance, sales, and capital markets expert with more than a years of experience in financial investment banking, endowment management, and property analysis. In May 2016, A.J. founded 548 Capital, LLC, to combine his knowledge and track record of creating consistent returns with an individual enthusiasm for helping change communities and their effect on the planet. In 2019, Patton was named a recipient of the Energy News 40 Under 40 award– highlighting his effect on Americas shift to a tidy economy.
FOUND OUT MORE: Up-and-Comer Developer Makes Headway without the Banks ( Chicago Sun-Times, August 27, 2021).
What inspired you to start your business?
I had 2 critical minutes that made me leap. In 1999, my mom got a $400 gas expense, and she was just making ten bucks an hour, so we could not pay for the gas costs. A lot of people have similar anecdotes, and thats not a great thing
.
The 2nd critical minute was most likely 15 years earlier, as I was working for a firm that was purchasing a host of things around the world. Individuals were can be found in to request for a financial investment around renewable resource, and I positioned a question to them: “What you are making with these solar companies is amazing, and the expense of solar is coming down, however how does that assistance everyday people?” I asked, “Where are they in your formula? Where is their gain access to? They are paying an out of proportion quantity of their income on energy.” They looked puzzled that I would even dare inquire about the everyday individuals. They said, “Well, you understand, low- and moderate-income families frequently reside in multi-family structures, and it is hard to get in contact with those developing owners. If you can not get in contact with the building owners, you have to contact individual households and the expense of getting those people informed and then subscribing to renewable resource is not a beneficial organization design.” So, I asked, “What if I owned the real estate development and the solar?” And they stated, whoever does that is going to alter the marketplace permanently. So I quit my job. I believe I turned in my resignation within six months of that discussion, and I began my company. Because that is the system number in the public housing where I grew up, I called it 548 Capital. Everything is I do is targeted to families in those circumstances and focused on enhancing their quality of life
.

Show us a recent success story.
We recently signed up with Mayor Lightfoot for an interview to announce that we will be building a $30 million, entirely sustainable and completely economical advancement, in partnership with the City of Chicago. We are constructing 50 residential units, a coffee bar, a company center, all on the South Side of Chicago, which will broaden solar-powered usage in the city
.
What impact are you making?
I believe there is constantly a shock when people learn who is behind our business. Even in our own communities, individuals simply cant believe it.
The other thing that I think is essential is we have a financial effect that resonates with people, and its a quite effective message. That amount of cash impacts the budget of daily households
.
What obstacles do you face? Why?
When I go to banks and state that were constructing sustainable real estate in low- and moderate-income communities, they look at me like Ive spoken the wrong language. These communities are still being red-lined. I think the lesson is that coalition building is crucial.

Inform us about your company? (objective, partners, regions you run in, main customers, etc.).
The vision of 548 Capital is to make sustainable innovations available for all: all neighborhoods, all families, everybody needs to have access. Someone, some entity, has to serve as the bridge so that those innovations reach everybody.

I was at a community meeting with 50 Black ladies organizers who were not invested in the community solar movement. To be able to use an item that will conserve our community up to 60% on their energy expenses is transformative.
WeSolars objective is to bring under-resourced communities budget-friendly access to regional neighborhood solar and to help business properties with energy performance. When I first moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was introduced, and I desired to ensure city homeowners were receiving the same quantity of financial investment as the county. Eco-friendly energy has actually traditionally been a middle-class problem because Black neighborhoods have had to live in survival mode, however Reverend Mason and Reverend Dewitt brought me into the circle and connected me with the people I required to link with in order to make this partnership successful.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 27, 2021
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the first installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series. Each installation will feature industry leaders and subjects connected to accelerating a fair and simply shift to an eco-friendly energy economy. In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August blog is the first in a series highlighting how Black-owned member business are flourishing in the renewable resource sector.
Kristal Hansley is the Founder & & CEO of WeSolar, Inc and is the countrys first Black woman CEO in the neighborhood solar industry. Under her leadership, WeSolar is growing quickly, offering consumers throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia access to economical solar power, despite home type, and assisting hard-working households minimize regular monthly expenses.
What inspired you to begin your business?
I was at a community conference with 50 Black females organizers who were not invested in the neighborhood solar movement. 36% of Black households experience a high energy concern, implying they invest over 6% of their earnings on home energy expenses. To be able to use an item that will save our neighborhood up to 60% on their energy expenses is transformative.
Tell us about your company?
WeSolars mission is to bring under-resourced neighborhoods economical access to regional neighborhood solar and to assist industrial homes with energy performance. In Maryland, lawmakers passed legislation that mentions 50 percent of its electricity must come from eco-friendly energy sources by 2030.
What obstacles do you face? Why?
To a neighborhood that is currently facing so many pressing obstacles, persuading them that there is another one simply as essential is really hard. I remember attempting to describe community solar to my pals and the discussion quickly pivoting to housing.
Please show us a current company success story.
When I initially moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was introduced, and I desired to guarantee city locals were receiving the very same quantity of financial investment as the county. Sustainable energy has actually historically been a middle-class issue due to the fact that Black communities have had to live in survival mode, however Reverend Mason and Reverend Dewitt brought me into the circle and linked me with the individuals I needed to connect with in order to make this partnership successful.
To read more about WeSolar, check out wesolar.energy
###

By Constance ThompsonAugust 30, 2021

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the 2nd installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation will feature market leaders and topics related to speeding up a fair and simply transition to a sustainable energy economy.
In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August features highlight how 3 Black-owned Accelerate member companies are thriving in the sustainable energy sector.
Kevin Butler, PMP, PE, is the Chief Executive Officer of Sole Trader Renewable Energy LLC, a minority- and veteran-owned renewable resource business based in Memphis, Tennessee. Sole Trader helps co-ops, utilities and governments incorporate renewables into their energy portfolios
.
What inspired you to start your company?
A drive to bring ingenious innovations and advanced building techniques to the eco-friendly energy market. I desire to reduce the amount of green area used to support the growth of renewable energy around the world and help bring our market into the future. I founded this company after working for a couple of big utilities and recognizing that the old design will not get us to where we require to be as a country.
How are you making an effect through your company?
We are changing the method co-ops, governments and energies think of powering the future of this terrific country. We buy finding and making use of tested, emerging innovations from around the globe that can be used to power the present and the future. Sole Trader gives our customers access to tidy energy, and we are motivating the next generation with our capability to shape the nation each and every day.
Inform us about your company?
Sole Trader is a diverse, professional, leading-edge renewable energy company with 200+ combined years of experience covering power generation, building and construction, operations and upkeep. Our group of utility specialists assists us lower construction expenses and timelines for our customers. We can likewise offer consulting and strategic preparation services, website identification and preparation, construction, operations and upkeep, equipment recycling, cybersecurity, site start-up or shutdown, and so a lot more.
Is there anything else you would like to share with ACORE members and partners?
There is no challenge small or too large for us. We accept opportunities to bring our customers into the future, utilizing our substantial lessons discovered and our tested new technologies. We can help our clients believe in a different way about their neighborhood and the world. We like to say, “We provide you more power over your power.” And our company believe energy independence is the essential to green development.
To find out more about Sole Trader, visit soletraderenergy.org.
###.

A drive to bring innovative innovations and advanced structure methods to the eco-friendly energy market. I want to minimize the amount of green area utilized to support the development of sustainable energy around the world and assistance bring our market into the future. Sole Trader offers our customers access to clean energy, and we are motivating the next generation with our capability to form the country each and every day.
Sole Trader is a varied, professional, leading-edge sustainable energy company with 200+ integrated years of experience covering power generation, building and construction, operations and upkeep. And we think energy self-reliance is the essential to green growth.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 31, 2021
Picture courtesy of Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the 3rd installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation includes industry leaders and subjects connected to accelerating a fair and simply shift to a renewable resource economy. In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August functions highlight how three Black-owned Accelerate member companies are thriving in the renewable energy sector.
Robert “A.J.” Patton is a financing, sales, and capital markets professional with more than a decade of experience in financial investment banking, endowment management, and genuine estate analysis. In May 2016, A.J. founded 548 Capital, LLC, to integrate his know-how and track record of producing consistent returns with an individual enthusiasm for assisting transform communities and their impact on the planet. In 2019, Patton was named a recipient of the Energy News 40 Under 40 award– highlighting his effect on Americas shift to a tidy economy.
FOUND OUT MORE: Up-and-Comer Developer Makes Headway without the Banks ( Chicago Sun-Times, August 27, 2021).
What inspired you to start your business?
I had two critical minutes that made me leap. In 1999, my mother received a $400 gas expense, and she was just making ten dollars an hour, so we could not manage the gas bill. A lot of individuals have comparable anecdotes, and thats not an excellent thing
.
They looked confused that I would even attempt ask about the daily individuals. I believe I turned in my resignation within 6 months of that conversation, and I started my company. I named it 548 Capital because that is the unit number in the public real estate where I grew up.

I believe there is constantly a shock when individuals discover who is behind our business. Even in our own neighborhoods, people simply cant think it. Putting individuals in spaces together so everybody can share notes is always valuable. We are also constantly prepared to host individuals if they want to see some of the sustainable innovation we are putting in these communities. We host individuals when a week at our structure so they can see the innovation that were applying in communities that historically have not had gain access to.

Inform us about your business? (objective, partners, areas you operate in, primary consumers, and so on).
The vision of 548 Capital is to make sustainable innovations available for all: all neighborhoods, all families, everybody needs to have access. Somebody, some entity, has to serve as the bridge so that those innovations reach everybody. Thats what my objective is, and fortunately we are growing. We are presently headquartered in Chicago, but we will be announcing some brand-new areas this fall
.

Show us a recent success story.
We recently signed up with Mayor Lightfoot for an interview to reveal that we will be constructing a $30 million, totally sustainable and completely inexpensive development, in collaboration with the City of Chicago. We are developing 50 property systems, a coffee shop, a service center, all on the South Side of Chicago, which will broaden solar-powered use in the city
.
What impact are you making?
I think there is constantly a shock when individuals learn who is behind our business. Even in our own communities, individuals simply cant believe it.
The other thing that I believe is necessary is we have a financial effect that resonates with individuals, and its a quite powerful message. Were intending to cut energy expenditures for households in half. Thats a big deal, you know. That amount of money effects the budget plan of everyday families
.
What challenges do you deal with? Why?
When I go to banks and state that were developing sustainable real estate in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, they look at me like Ive spoken the incorrect language. These communities are still being red-lined. I believe the lesson is that union building is essential.

What can companies like ACORE do to move that needle for you, to break down that barrier?
Putting individuals in rooms together so everybody can share notes is always important. Through the Accelerate program, weve had an opportunity to speak straight with bankers and tax credit syndicators which is magnificent. If there are nationwide corporations that can support our work that can likewise be a huge offer. Were presently dealing with a partnership with Lowes, which is donating about $1,000,000 worth of materials to support our jobs. Stabilizing direct exposure, standing next to us and stating “these communities deserve financial investment”– you cant put a value on that
.
How can prospective partners work with you?
We are also always ready to host individuals if they desire to see some of the sustainable innovation we are putting in these communities. We host individuals as soon as a week at our structure so they can see the innovation that were applying in communities that traditionally have not had gain access to. Im always tough top executives to put their name and face on these efforts due to the fact that I believe that has genuine worth
.
How was your Accelerate membership benefited you?
Its been terrific simply to satisfy the other Accelerate member business. I discovered a lot from having discussions with them in real-time, and discovering individuals with totally different viewpoints. I enjoy the networking.
I believe we are doing the very best we can do in the COVID environment. Simply knowing that it exists, which ACORE is so intentional about the program, makes a huge distinction.
###.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 27, 2021
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the first installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series. Each installation will feature industry leaders and subjects related to accelerating an equitable and simply transition to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August blog site is the first in a series highlighting how Black-owned member business are flourishing in the renewable resource sector.
Kristal Hansley is the Founder & & CEO of WeSolar, Inc and is the countrys first Black female CEO in the community solar industry. Under her leadership, WeSolar is growing rapidly, providing consumers throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia access to cost effective solar power, no matter house type, and helping hard-working families minimize monthly costs.
What inspired you to begin your company?
I was at a neighborhood conference with 50 Black women organizers who were not invested in the community solar movement. 36% of Black homes experience a high energy concern, indicating they spend over 6% of their earnings on home energy expenses. To be able to provide an item that will conserve our community up to 60% on their energy costs is transformative.
Inform us about your business?
WeSolars mission is to bring under-resourced communities economical access to local community solar and to help commercial residential or commercial properties with energy effectiveness. WeSolar launched in Baltimore and will broaden to other cities in the future. Through WeSolar, electricity customers can acquire shared solar from a regional task without needing to install any equipment in their houses. In turn, residents save hundreds on their electricity expenses. In Maryland, lawmakers passed legislation that specifies 50 percent of its electricity must come from eco-friendly energy sources by 2030.
What obstacles do you face? Why?
To a neighborhood that is already facing many pressing obstacles, convincing them that there is another one just as important is really tough. I keep in mind trying to explain neighborhood solar to my buddies and the discussion quickly rotating to real estate. The reality of the matter is, institutional racism and oppression are larger than we understand, and it drowns our community. Where Black people are not being purchased, we are being asked to focus on continuously for our survival.
Please share with us a recent business success story.
An extremely personal success story for me is cultivating a collaboration with Maryland United Baptist Missionary Convention, Inc. I grew up in a Baptist church in Brooklyn where my cousin was the pastor, and my mama was an organizer– community was stitched into my really being. When I initially transferred to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was introduced, and I desired to guarantee city homeowners were getting the exact same quantity of financial investment as the county. It was the church that took me in, and the church that then supported my vision– bringing everything full circle. Renewable resource has historically been a middle-class concern due to the fact that Black communities have needed to live in survival mode, but Reverend Mason and Reverend Dewitt brought me into the circle and connected me with individuals I required to get in touch with in order to make this partnership effective.
To get more information about WeSolar, go to wesolar.energy
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I was at a neighborhood meeting with 50 Black ladies organizers who were not invested in the community solar motion. To be able to use a product that will save our neighborhood up to 60% on their energy expenses is transformative.
WeSolars mission is to bring under-resourced neighborhoods budget-friendly access to local neighborhood solar and to assist commercial homes with energy performance. When I initially moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was released, and I wanted to guarantee city residents were receiving the exact same amount of financial investment as the county. Renewable energy has actually traditionally been a middle-class issue because Black communities have had to live in survival mode, but Reverend Mason and Reverend Dewitt brought me into the circle and connected me with the individuals I required to connect with in order to make this partnership effective.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 30, 2021

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the 2nd installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation will feature industry leaders and subjects connected to speeding up an equitable and simply shift to a renewable resource economy.
In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August features highlight how 3 Black-owned Accelerate member business are thriving in the eco-friendly energy sector.
Kevin Butler, PMP, PE, is the Chief Executive Officer of Sole Trader Renewable Energy LLC, a minority- and veteran-owned renewable resource company based in Memphis, Tennessee. Sole Trader assists energies, co-ops and federal governments incorporate renewables into their energy portfolios
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What inspired you to begin your business?
A drive to bring ingenious technologies and advanced structure strategies to the renewable energy industry. I desire to lower the quantity of green area utilized to support the development of renewable energy around the world and help bring our industry into the future. I founded this company after working for a couple of big utilities and realizing that the old design will not get us to where we need to be as a nation.
How are you making an impact through your business?
We are changing the method energies, federal governments and co-ops consider powering the future of this excellent nation. We invest in finding and making use of tested, emerging innovations from around the world that can be used to power the present and the future. Sole Trader provides our customers access to tidy energy, and we are motivating the next generation with our ability to shape the country each and every day.
Inform us about your business?
Sole Trader is a varied, expert, leading-edge renewable resource business with 200+ combined years of experience covering power generation, construction, operations and maintenance. Our group of energy professionals helps us lower building and construction costs and timelines for our customers. We can likewise supply consulting and strategic planning services, site identification and preparation, building, operations and upkeep, equipment recycling, cybersecurity, website start-up or shutdown, and so far more.
Exists anything else you would like to share with ACORE members and partners?
We welcome opportunities to bring our clients into the future, using our comprehensive lessons found out and our proven brand-new technologies. And we believe energy independence is the crucial to green growth.
To get more information about Sole Trader, see soletraderenergy.org.
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A drive to bring innovative technologies and advanced building methods to the eco-friendly energy industry. I desire to reduce the amount of green space used to support the development of renewable energy around the world and assistance bring our industry into the future. Sole Trader provides our clients access to clean energy, and we are motivating the next generation with our capability to shape the country each and every day.
Sole Trader is a varied, professional, leading-edge sustainable energy company with 200+ integrated years of experience covering power generation, building, operations and maintenance. And we think energy self-reliance is the essential to green growth.